Pool closure system

ABSTRACT

An inflatable pillow for a pool closure system including a first side surface, forming a substantially vertical plane, a first riser surface, the first riser surface substantially vertically oriented, a top surface, the top surface having a first edge and a second edge, wherein the side surface is connected to the top surface at the first edge, wherein the first riser surface is connected to the top surface at the second edge, the second edge extending substantially horizontally, and wherein the top surface is curved such that the first edge resembles an arc extending both vertically and horizontally.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention broadly relates to an inflatable pillow for a pool closure system, more specifically to a pool closure system comprising a plurality of inflatable pillows.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pool closure systems are known in the art. For example, these closure systems are used to seal up a pool for winter or if the pool is vacant or unusable for an extended period of time. Most typical systems include a waterproof cover that is stretched over the pool and held in place, such as by weights, clamps, clips, or other securing means. Commonly, a single inflatable pillow is placed in the middle of the pool, under the cover. This pillow is used to create a bulging in the middle of the pillow so that rain, snow, debris, etc., does not collect in the middle of the pool. However, there are several problems with this type of pool closure system, particularly with respect to the pillow, as the pillow must be centered in the pool in order for the system to work properly.

For example, initially positioning the pillow can be difficult because the pillow is inflated, and therefore easily blown around by wind. Even if the pillow can be centered, the cover must be placed over the pool after the pillow is placed, and due to the size of typical pools and covers, the cover is usually dragged across the pool from one side to the other. This dragging results in the pillow being caught in the cover and being dragged around also. Grommets have been provided in some prior art pillows for securing the pillows to ropes, cords, etc., in order to affix the pillow to opposite sides of the pool in an attempt to keep the pillow centered. However, the grommets are arranged on these pillows such that any force exerted on a grommet pulls directly on a seam of the pillow, so if the pillow experiences a force, such as a gust of wind, the rope pulls directly on the seam, which can result in the seam to tear or rip apart, thereby destroying the pillow. Attempts have been made to solve this problem, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,052,843 (Pirillo), which patent is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Pirillo teaches a system where a central float is attached via cords and grommets to a central portion of a pool cover so that the float is centered when the cover is centered.

However, another common problem is that debris, rain, snow, leaves, etc. collect in a ring around the pillow. For example, pillows can slowly deflate over time, the cold temperatures of winter will cause the pressure in the pillow to lessen, or the cover could not be secured on the pool with sufficient tension, etc. In any event, debris, leaves, rain, snow, etc. (hereinafter collectively referred to as “debris”), slides off the bulge made by the pillow in the center and, since the pillow has deflated or the cover has sagged, the debris is simply collected in a ring about the very center. For example, since the cover is waterproof, rain, leaves, snow melt, etc., collects in this ring and causes the cover to sag deep into the water that is left in the pool, resulting in the cover becoming extremely difficult to remove, as it can not be simply slid off the side of the pool. For example, if this collected debris is not first removed before sliding the cover off of the pool, it is very likely that the debris will become dumped into the pool during removal of the cover, defeating one primary reason for covering the pool in the first place.

Attempts have been made to solve these problems also. For example, consider U.S. Pat. No. 5,144,704 (Genzel et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 5,901,503 (Dalene et al.), and U.S. Pat. No. 6,119,284 (Cosman), which patents are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Cosman teaches a system using a strictly rigid frame to prop up a pool cover, while Dalene et al. teaches a system using a combination of inflatable pillows and rigid members. However, rigid members are heavy, relatively expensive in comparison to inflatable pillows, cumbersome, and take up a lot of storage room when not in use. Genzel et al. teaches a cover that includes a liner having a plurality of air compartments built right into the liner. However, pool covers are subjected to harsh conditions (e.g., being frozen into ice, subjected to falling debris, dragged across pool surfaces during install and removal, etc.) and while a few small holes or damage will not substantially effect a regular cover (that is, the cover will operate sufficiently even if rendered not completely impermeable), any holes in the liner of Genzel et al. will result in the entire liner needing to be replaced or working less efficiently.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention broadly comprises an inflatable pillow for a pool closure system including a first side surface, forming a substantially vertical plane, a first riser surface, the first riser surface substantially vertically oriented, a top surface, the top surface having a first edge and a second edge, wherein the side surface is connected to the top surface at the first edge, wherein the first riser surface is connected to the top surface at the second edge, the second edge extending substantially horizontally, and wherein the top surface is curved such that the first edge resembles an arc extending both vertically and horizontally.

In one embodiment, the second edge is semi-circular in shape, the first edge is connected between opposite ends of the second edge, and the inflatable pillow has a substantially semi-circular shape when viewed from above. In one embodiment, the inflatable pillow further comprises a second side surface oppositely disposed from and mirroring the first side surface, wherein a third edge is oppositely disposed from and mirrors the first edge for connecting the second side surface to the top surface, and a second riser surface oppositely disposed from and mirroring the first riser surface, wherein a fourth edge is oppositely disposed from and mirrors the second edge for connecting the second riser surface to the top surface wherein the first and third edges are connected between the second and fourth edges for forming a substantially rectangular shape of the inflatable pillow when viewed from above.

In one embodiment, the inflatable pillow further comprises a flap of excess material extending substantially horizontally from the first side surface. In a further embodiment, the inflatable pillow further comprises at least one strap for connecting the inflatable pillow to another inflatable pillow, wherein the strap is secured to the flap. In one embodiment, the flap includes an extended portion extending further from the first side surface, wherein the strap is connected to the extended portion. In one embodiment, the extended portion comprises two layers, and the strap is secured between the two layers.

The current invention also broadly comprises a system for closing the pool, the system including a plurality of inflatable pillows according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of inflatable pillows is substantially dome-shaped when arranged together on a surface of water in the pool. In one embodiment, adjacent ones of the plurality of inflatable pillows are connected to each other with a releasable securing assembly. In one embodiment, each inflatable pillow in the plurality of inflatable pillows includes at least one strap connected thereto for connecting each inflatable pillow to the releasable securing assembly. In one embodiment, the releasable securing assembly comprises a buckle having a male end insertable into a female end, the male end connected to a first strap connected to a first inflatable pillow of the plurality of inflatable pillows, the female end connected to a second strap connected to a second inflatable pillow of the plurality of inflatable pillows, and wherein the male end is selectively releasable from the female end by squeezing knobs on the male end. In one embodiment,

In one embodiment, the releasable securing assembly comprises a plurality of loops, wherein at least one of the loops is connected to each of the at least one strap, and wherein at least one of the loops includes a spring-loaded gate for releasably clipping the loops together. In one embodiment, an anchor strap is connected from an anchor to the at least one strap, the securing assembly, or both, wherein the anchor is operatively arranged to secure a position of the system with respect to the pool. In one embodiment, the anchor comprises a substantially L-shaped plate for engaging over a rim of the pool. In one embodiment, the anchor comprises a clamp for releasably securing the anchor to the pool or a rim of the pool. In another embodiment, each inflatable pillow in the plurality of inflatable pillows includes a flap of excess material extending substantially horizontally from the first side surface.

In one embodiment, the inflatable pillow further comprises at least one strap for connecting the inflatable pillow to another inflatable pillow, wherein the strap is secured to the flap. In a further embodiment, the flap includes an extended portion extending further from the first side surface, wherein the strap is connected to the extended portion. In a further embodiment, the extended portion comprises two layers, and the strap is secured between the two layers.

The current invention also broadly comprises a system for closing a pool including a plurality of inflatable pillows, wherein the plurality of inflatable pillows includes a first end pillow, a second end pillow substantially identical to the first end pillow, and an intermediate pillow, wherein each of the first end pillow, the second end pillow, and the intermediate pillow includes a first side surface, forming a substantially vertical plane, a first riser surface, the first riser surface substantially vertically oriented, a top surface, the top surface having a first edge and a second edge, wherein the side surface is connected to the top surface at the first edge, wherein the first riser surface is connected to the top surface at the second edge, the second edge extending substantially horizontally, and wherein the top surface is curved such that the first edge resembles an arc extending both vertically and horizontally, wherein the intermediate pillow further includes a second side surface oppositely disposed from and mirroring the first side surface, wherein a third edge is oppositely disposed from and mirrors the first edge for connecting the second side surface to the top surface, and a second riser surface oppositely disposed from and mirroring the first riser surface, wherein a fourth edge is oppositely disposed from and mirrors the second edge for connecting the second riser surface to the top surface, wherein the first and third edges are connected between the second and fourth edges for forming a substantially rectangular shape of the intermediate pillow when viewed from above, wherein, with respect to each of the first and second end pillows the second edge is semi-circular in shape and the first edge is connected between opposite ends of the second edge for forming a substantially semi-circular shape of each of the first and second end pillows when viewed from above, wherein the plurality of inflatable pillows is arranged on a surface of water in the pool with the intermediate pillow being located between the first and second end pillows, wherein the first side surface of the intermediate pillow faces the first side surface of the first end pillow, the second side surface of the intermediate pillow faces the first side surface of the second end pillow, and the plurality of inflatable pillows together forms a substantially dome-shaped arrangement operatively arranged for directing debris off of the pool when the pool is closed.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciable from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention and from the accompanying drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The nature and mode of operation of the present invention will now be more fully described in the following detailed description of the invention taken with the accompanying drawing figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pool closure system according to one embodiment of the current invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the pool closure system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a pool closure according to one embodiment of the current invention;

FIG. 4 is a front view of one embodiment of a releasable securing assembly; and,

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of embodiments of a releasable securing assembly, an anchor device, and a pillow flap assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements of the invention. While the present invention is described with respect to what is presently considered to be the preferred aspects, it is to be understood that the invention as claimed is not limited to the disclosed aspects.

Furthermore, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the appended claims.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention, the preferred methods, devices, and materials are now described.

Referring now to the figures, FIGS. 1-2 show pool closure system 10 for installation on a pool, such as pool 100. Pool 100 is filled with water 102 and includes rim 104 about the perimeter of the pool. Pool 100 is included for the sake of more fully discussing the use, arrangement, and advantages of system 10, and should not be considered to limit the scope of the current invention in any way. For example, although shown as a circular shaped above ground pool, it should be appreciated that the current invention could be used in other types of pools, such as rectangular, ellipsoidal, and/or in-ground pools.

System 10 for pool 100 includes two types of inflatable pillows, namely semi-circular pillows 12 and rectangular pillows 14. The identifiers ‘A’ and ‘B’ are used simply to differentiate the two semi-circular pillows, but it should be understood that both are substantially identical and that any description of pillows 12 generally applies to both of pillows 12A and 12B. The pillows are situated in pool 100 floating on the surface of water 102, with pillows 12A and 12B surrounding pillow 14. The pillows are so referred to as semi-circular and rectangular, because when viewed from above, such as the perspective of FIG. 2, pillows 12 appear generally semi-circular in shape, while pillow 14 appears generally rectangular in shape.

It can be seen that each semi-circular pillow 12 includes rounded or curved top surface 16 and flat side surface 18. Top surface 16 is connected to side, or vertical surface 18 at edge 19, which edge resembles an arc due to the curvature of the top surface, with the arc extending both horizontally and vertically. Pillow 14 includes rounded or curved top surface 20 and two oppositely disposed, vertical side surfaces 22. Thus, the side surfaces 22 of pillow 14 are essentially mirror images of each other on opposite sides of the pillow. Side surfaces 18 and 22 are essentially formed as vertically oriented planes. Top surface 20 is connected to side surfaces 22 at edges 23, which, like edges 19, each resembles an arc due to the curvature of the top surface, extending horizontally and vertically. That is, when viewed face on, edges 19 and 23 each generally resemble an upside-down “U”, or semi-circle, in the vertical plane defined by the respective side surfaces of the pillows. The bottom surface (not shown) of each pillow may be substantially flat, and generally perpendicular to surfaces 18 and/or 22. The side surfaces of the pillows are included on each side of the pillows that faces an adjacent pillow. Thus, side surface 18 of each of the semi-circular pillow borders one of the two side surfaces 22 of the rectangular pillow. Accordingly, pillows 12A, 12B, and 14, when taken together, substantially resemble a dome or dome-like structure having a circular-shaped base, as defined by the shape of the risers.

Advantageously, due to the side surfaces, adjacent pillows can be brought as closely together as desired. In this way, when a pool cover is placed over system 10, the cover will not sag between the pillows, because the gaps between the pillows can be made very small. Advantageously, this results in the prevention of the collection of debris on the pool cover, unlike prior art systems. That is, by minimizing the gaps between the pillows, any debris that falls on a pool covered using system 10 is more likely to slide off the pool instead of collecting on the cover, as substantially all of a cover is directly supported by the dome-shaped arrangement of the current invention air pillows. It should be appreciated that any pool cover known in the art could be used in association with system 10, such as those disclosed in patent references discussed above and incorporated herein.

Each semi-circular pillow 12 includes riser 24, while rectangular pillow 14 includes riser 26. Risers 24 and 26 are substantially similar with the exception that, in combination with side surface 18, riser 24 generally defines a semi-circular shape (in accordance with the shape of pillows 12), while riser 26, in combination with side surfaces 22, defines a rectangular shape (in accordance with the shape of pillow 14). Riser 24 extends vertically down from edges 25, formed at the intersection with curved surface 16, for each pillow 12. Risers 26 extend vertically down from edges 27, formed at the intersection with top surface 20. Thus, edges 25 and 27 extend generally horizontally, while risers 24 and 26 extend in a substantially vertical orientation around at least a portion of the perimeter of each pillow. It should be appreciated that opposite ends of edges 19 and 23 connect between edges 25 and 27, respectively, in order to form the shape of the pillow. For example, ends of edge 19 in each pillow 12 connects between ends of edge 25 to form a semi-circular shape when viewed from above, while the ends of both edges 25 are arranged between the pair of edges 27 for forming a rectangular shape.

The risers are included on each pillow about the sides of the pillow that border the edge or rim of the pool, so that the top surfaces (e.g., surfaces 16 and/or 20) do not terminate right at the level of water 102 at the inner perimeter of pool 100. In other words, the risers are included to vertically raise the position of edges 25 and 27, so that these edges are located above the surface of the water in the pool and closer to the level of the rim of the pool. That is, if the risers were not included, then the curved or rounded top surfaces of the pool would continue down to the level of the water, which level is below the rim of the pool. Specifically, the risers have a height, which is designated on pillow 12B as height X1, while the water is located at a distance, designated as distance X2, below rim 104 of pool 100. Without the risers, any debris sliding off a pool cover might cause the cover to sag proximate to the rim of the pool, resulting in an undesirable ring of collected debris. Although this ring of collected debris would be smaller than in prior art systems, it can be reduced further by inclusion of the risers. That is, the risers enable the top surfaces of the pillows to terminate close to the rim of the pool for reducing the size of the gap between the pillows and the rim of the pool, similar to the purpose of side surfaces 18 and 22 of the pillows. The inclusion of virtually any height riser would increase the effectiveness of system 10, but it may be most efficient if the installer or user of system 10 drained the pool to a level where distance X2 approximately equals, or is slightly less than, height X1.

System 10 also includes securing assemblies 28 for releasably securing adjacent pillows together. Virtually any releasable securing means known in the art could be used as securing assemblies 28, including knots, ties, buckles, snaps, clips, clasps, hook-and-loop material, adhesives, etc., although two examples are described below with respect to FIGS. 4 and 5. Straps 30 and 31 are provided to connect the securing assemblies to pillows 12 and 14, respectively, with the straps projecting out of each of their respective side surfaces (e.g., surface 18 for pillows 12 and surface 22 for pillow 14). Other than being connected to different pillows, straps 30 and 31 substantially resemble each other, and could be formed from nylon, cloth, or any other suitable material for withstanding the harsh conditions experienced by a pool closure system. In FIGS. 1 and 2, pillow 14 includes three straps 31 for securing to three straps 30 of each of pillows 12A and 12B via three assemblies 28. It should of course be understood that any number of straps and releasable securing assemblies could be used.

In addition, each side surface of the pillows may include a flap, namely, flaps 32 for side surfaces 18 of pillows 12 and flaps 33 for side surfaces 22 of pillow 14. The flaps are arranged for securing straps 30 and 31 to the pillows. The flaps are formed, for example, from excess material during the formation of the inflatable pillows, and do not form part of the inflatable chamber of the pillow. Instead, for example, a seam or the like separates the flap from inflatable chamber of each pillow. Anchors 36 may also be connected to securing assemblies 28 and/or straps 30 or 31 via anchor straps 34. Thus, the anchors are not connected directly to the pillows, but are instead indirectly connected to the releasable securing means, or straps 30 or 31. The anchors are included to keep system 10 centered and/or grounded to pool 100, for example, to avoid pillows 12 and 14 from blowing around in the wind. In FIGS. 1-3, anchor 36 is shown generally as an L-shaped bracket to fit around the rim of a pool, although it should be appreciated that the anchors could be other forms of weights, clamps, clasps, clips, etc., or any other device suitable for holding inflatable pillows or pool covers in place.

In one embodiment, the pillows are constructed from a thin plastic film or sheet that is sealed, such as by sonic welding or some other form of plastic welding, in an fluid-tight manner such that the pillow can be inflated by pumping or blowing a gas, typically air, into the pillow. In the shown embodiment, pillows 12A and 12B are essentially identical except that ports 38 are located on opposite sides, with respect to the orientation of the pillow. Of course, exactly identical pillows could be used, but in such an embodiment, ports 38 would be located on opposite sides of the pool.

Ports 38 are included in each pillow in order to enable inflation of the pillow. The ports are shown schematically because any known port could be used in order to inflate the pillows. For example, ports could be included for a user to manually inflate the pillow by blowing into the port, or the port could be adaptable for receiving a pump, shop vacuum, or the like. These ports may include a cap that is releasably securable over the port, such as by complementary threading, and/or a one-way valve mechanism could be included for preventing the flow of air out of the pillow but enabling a flow of air into the pillow. Such ports and valves are known in the art for a variety of inflatable devices, such as air mattresses, pool accessories, and the like.

As should be appreciated with respect to FIG. 3, different arrangements of pillows are possible for differently shaped pools. For example, system 40 of FIG. 3 is for substantially oval shaped pool 106, generally resembling system 10 but with an extra rectangular pillow. That is, system 40 includes two rectangular pillows, pillows 14A and 14B, and two semi-circular pillows, pillows 12A and 12B. Like pillows 12, the identifiers ‘A’ and ‘B’ for pillows 14 is used to differentiate between each pillow, but the pillows are otherwise substantially identical and any description of pillow(s) 14 generally applies to both of pillows 14A and 14B. The commonly numbered elements of system 40 are included for similar purposes as discussed above with respect to system 10. Like system 10, the pillows of system 40 together resemble a dome shape, with the dome having a base the same shape as the pool. For example, system 40 results in a dome shape with an ellipsoidal base, while the pillows of system 10 resemble a dome having a circular base. Thus, the pillows of any other system according to the current invention would togther resemble a dome having a base in the shape of the pool in which the system is arranged.

As an example of another system according to the current invention, a rectangular shaped pool may use only rectangular pillows, such as pillows 14. However, the two end pillows for a rectangular pool system may be modified to resemble a combination of pillows 12 and pillows 14, for example having a rectangular shape when from viewed from above, but such that they include only one vertical side surface, with the curved top surface also sloping down the opposite side of the pillow (instead of a second side surface) to connect to the riser, similar to the top surface of the semi-circle pillows.

One embodiment of releasable securing assembly 28 is shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. In this embodiment, securing assembly 28 takes the form of buckles having female half 44 arranged for receiving male half 46. That is, protrusions 48 on male half 46 are arranged for insertion into openings 50 for locking the two halves together, as shown in FIG. 4A. By squeezing protrusions 48 toward each other, the protrusions become disengaged from openings 50 and the two halves can be separated, as shown in FIG. 4B. It should be appreciated that the halves of the buckles could be installed on either straps 30 or 31. It may be most efficient, for example, to put all male halves on pillows 12 and all female halves on pillows 14, or vise-versa.

In FIG. 5, the flaps are formed from two layers affixed together, namely, flap 32 is formed from first layer 32A and second layer 32B, while flap 33 is formed from first layer 33A and second layer 33B. The two layers could result, for example, from two pieces of material that are sealed together to form the pillow, or from two ends of a single piece of material that is sealed together to form the pillow. Furthermore, each flap may include a portion extending therefrom for assisting in securing each flap to the corresponding straps (e.g., straps 30 and 31), with flap 32 including extension 42 and flap 33 including extension 43. Each extension is similarly formed from two layers, with extension 42 formed from layers 42A and 42B and extension 43 formed from layers 43A and 43B. Straps 30 and 31 are secured to their respective pillows, for example, by encasing the strap between the two layers of the extension of the corresponding flap. For example, in FIG. 5, top layer 43A of extension 43 is peeled back to show strap 31 overlapping layer 43B, before the strap is affixed between the two layers. For example, strap 30 is shown secured between layers 42A and 42B of extension 42 of flap 32. The strap could be secured in place between the layer by stitching 52, for example, with the stitching going through both layers and the strap. Additionally, or in lieu of stitching, adhesives, welding, bonding, or the like could be used to secure the straps in place.

Another embodiment of a releasable securing assembly shown in FIG. 5. In this embodiment, releasable securing assembly 28 comprises a plurality of clips 54. Specifically, clips 54 take the form of carabiners, each having spring-loaded gate 56. Carabiner style clips are well known and commonly used in rock climbing and other activities. One clip is attached to one end of each of straps 30, 31, and 34 in order to secure the straps, and the respective pillows, together and/or to the rim of the pool, as described above. It should also be appreciated that not all of clips 54 would require a spring-loaded gate, but rather, some could merely be solid loops or rings, as long as one of the clips has such a gate or other means for securing to the others.

Advantageously, the anchors and anchor straps are only indirectly connected to the pillows, resulting in less damage to the pillows by the anchoring devices. For example, there may be some slack or flexibility in securing assembly 28 and/or straps 30, 31, and 34 for enabling the pillows to shift position slightly and for absorbing some of the forces that would otherwise be exerted on the pillows. Furthermore, the flaps provided on the pillows further results in any forces exerted by the straps on the pillows to be partially absorbed. That is, since the pillows are preferably made from a flexible material that enables the pillow to inflate and deflate, such as a vinyl or derivative thereof, the material of the flap will stretch to some degree and absorb some of the forces that would otherwise be directly exerted on the pillow or a seam of the pillow. The extended portion of the flaps could be used for providing even more stretchable material in order to absorb a greater amount of force. Additionally, the extensions make it so that stress is concentrated at the corners where the extensions intersect the flaps, not at the inflatable chamber of the pillow, and if damage occurs at these corners the pillow will not pop because the flaps and extensions are not inflated.

Another example of an anchoring device is also shown in FIG. 5. In this example, the anchoring device comprises clamp 58 which includes spring loaded jaws 60 set to be in a clamped or closed position by default, with handles 62 for opening the jaws about pivot point 64, thereby having a scissoring or alligator clip-type action. Accordingly, a user could press together the handles in order to open the jaws and secure the clamp onto a portion of the pool or the rim or frame of the pool. Again, it should be appreciated that clamp 58 is provided as one example of an anchoring device for the current invention, and that any other such clamping, securing, or anchoring device could be used to releasably connect the inflatable pillows of the current invention to a pool.

Thus, it is seen that the objects of the present invention are efficiently obtained, although modifications and changes to the invention should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, which modifications are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. It also is understood that the foregoing description is illustrative of the present invention and should not be considered as limiting. Therefore, other embodiments of the present invention are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 

1. An inflatable pillow for a pool closure system comprising: a first side surface, forming a substantially vertical plane; a first riser surface, said first riser surface substantially vertically oriented; a top surface, said top surface having a first edge and a second edge, wherein said side surface is connected to said top surface at said first edge, wherein said first riser surface is connected to said top surface at said second edge, said second edge extending substantially horizontally, and wherein said top surface is curved such that said first edge resembles an arc extending both vertically and horizontally.
 2. The inflatable pillow recited in claim 1, wherein said second edge is semi-circular in shape, said first edge is connected between opposite ends of said second edge, and said inflatable pillow has a substantially semi-circular shape when viewed from above.
 3. The inflatable pillow recited in claim 1 further comprising: a second side surface oppositely disposed from and mirroring said first side surface, wherein a third edge is oppositely disposed from and mirrors said first edge for connecting said second side surface to said top surface; and, a second riser surface oppositely disposed from and mirroring said first riser surface, wherein a fourth edge is oppositely disposed from and mirrors said second edge for connecting said second riser surface to said top surface; wherein said first and third edges are connected between said second and fourth edges for forming a substantially rectangular shape of said inflatable pillow when viewed from above.
 4. The inflatable pillow recited in claim 1 further comprising a flap of excess material extending substantially horizontally from said first side surface.
 5. The inflatable pillow recited in claim 4 further comprising at least one strap for connecting said inflatable pillow to another inflatable pillow, wherein said strap is secured to said flap.
 6. The inflatable pillow recited in claim 5, wherein said flap includes an extended portion extending further from said first side surface, wherein said strap is connected to said extended portion.
 7. The inflatable pillow recited in claim 6, wherein said extended portion comprises two layers, and said strap is secured between said two layers.
 8. A system for closing said pool, said system comprising a plurality of inflatable pillows according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of inflatable pillows is substantially dome-shaped when arranged together on a surface of water in said pool.
 9. The system recited in claim 8, wherein adjacent ones of said plurality of inflatable pillows are connected to each other with a releasable securing assembly.
 10. The system recited in claim 9, wherein each inflatable pillow in said plurality of inflatable pillows includes at least one strap connected thereto for connecting each inflatable pillow to said releasable securing assembly.
 11. The system recited in claim 10, wherein said releasable securing assembly comprises a buckle having a male end insertable into a female end, said male end connected to a first strap connected to a first inflatable pillow of said plurality of inflatable pillows, said female end connected to a second strap connected to a second inflatable pillow of said plurality of inflatable pillows, and wherein said male end is selectively releasable from said female end by squeezing knobs on said male end.
 12. The system recited in claim 10, wherein said releasable securing assembly comprises a plurality of loops, wherein at least one of said loops is connected to each of said at least one strap, and wherein at least one of said loops includes a spring-loaded gate for releasably clipping said loops together.
 13. The system recited in claim 10, wherein an anchor strap is connected from an anchor to said at least one strap, said securing assembly, or both, wherein said anchor is operatively arranged to secure a position of said system with respect to said pool.
 14. The system recited in claim 13, wherein said anchor comprises a substantially L-shaped plate for engaging over a rim of said pool.
 15. The system recited in claim 14, wherein said anchor comprises a clamp for releasably securing said anchor to said pool or a rim of said pool.
 16. The system recited in claim 8, wherein each inflatable pillow in said plurality of inflatable pillows includes a flap of excess material extending substantially horizontally from said first side surface.
 17. The inflatable pillow recited in claim 16 further comprising at least one strap for connecting said inflatable pillow to another inflatable pillow, wherein said strap is secured to said flap.
 18. The inflatable pillow recited in claim 17, wherein said flap includes an extended portion extending further from said first side surface, wherein said strap is connected to said extended portion.
 19. The inflatable pillow recited in claim 18, wherein said extended portion comprises two layers, and said strap is secured between said two layers.
 20. A system for closing a pool comprising: a plurality of inflatable pillows, wherein said plurality of inflatable pillows includes: a first end pillow; a second end pillow substantially identical to said first end pillow; and, an intermediate pillow; wherein each of said first end pillow, said second end pillow, and said intermediate pillow includes: a first side surface, forming a substantially vertical plane; a first riser surface, said first riser surface substantially vertically oriented; a top surface, said top surface having a first edge and a second edge, wherein said side surface is connected to said top surface at said first edge, wherein said first riser surface is connected to said top surface at said second edge, said second edge extending substantially horizontally, and wherein said top surface is curved such that said first edge resembles an arc extending both vertically and horizontally; wherein said intermediate pillow further includes: a second side surface oppositely disposed from and mirroring said first side surface, wherein a third edge is oppositely disposed from and mirrors said first edge for connecting said second side surface to said top surface; and, a second riser surface oppositely disposed from and mirroring said first riser surface, wherein a fourth edge is oppositely disposed from and mirrors said second edge for connecting said second riser surface to said top surface; wherein said first and third edges are connected between said second and fourth edges for forming a substantially rectangular shape of said intermediate pillow when viewed from above; wherein, with respect to each of said first and second end pillows: said second edge is semi-circular in shape and said first edge is connected between opposite ends of said second edge for forming a substantially semi-circular shape of each of said first and second end pillows when viewed from above; wherein said plurality of inflatable pillows is arranged on a surface of water in said pool with said intermediate pillow being located between said first and second end pillows, wherein said first side surface of said intermediate pillow faces said first side surface of said first end pillow, said second side surface of said intermediate pillow faces said first side surface of said second end pillow, and said plurality of inflatable pillows together forms a substantially dome-shaped arrangement operatively arranged for directing debris off of said pool when said pool is closed. 